FEL bucket size

[ldp]

Hey fellas, did I say something wrong or just ask an incredibly stupid question? I posted about two weeks ago and haven't rec'vd one answer yet!
I'm trying to find out how you go about determining what size bucket is too big for a FEL.
Mine is a Ford 1600, 2cyl, 4wd with the original F770 loader. I think one of the buckets I have is also the original and the other bucket is actually smaller, though a lot newer. I'm thinking of selling both buckets and getting one, larger that will more easily handle manure ( my main crop on the farm ) and allow me to move lots of dirt come this summer.
Any info re: this AND the proper sizing of a scaper blade for this machine would be appreciated.
BTW.....if anyone would like to comment on the reliability of the 1600, that would be fine, too.
I'm awfully nervous that I may have a tractor that I'm not going to be able to find parts for easily. OK while it's running, which it is now, but.......know whut ah mean?

 

[lynnmll]

What size is your FEL buckets will need to know that before answering your question.

 

[hazmat]

Do you have any specs on the loader? Lift capacity etc?

I have a TC18 18HP, 600# loader lift. I have a 54" bucket that holds approximately 1/3 of a yard (9cu feet). I can lift a full bucket of dirt or gravel.

I suspect that manure is lighter than dirt, but don't know how much (not interested in doing a science project on that either /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif). If you plan to do a good amount of dirt digging, you may want to keep the smaller bucket for that work & get a larger one for the manure. How hard is it to change?

Sorry nobody answered you before, this is a topic that often comes up, have you tried a search?

 

[thcri]

ldp,

From what I find you have a tractor that is around 18hp. I had a New Holland TC21D which is the same physical size as the TC18. The dealer sold me on a 60" bucket. For snow it was ok, but for moving dirt it was dangerous. Too much bucket not enough tractor. The back wheels would come off the ground and if I turned my front wheels really sharp one of the back tires would come off the ground.

If you are moving manure which is heavier than plain old dirt I would think you should at least go back to a 48". The other thing you want to keep in mind is having one larger than the width of your front tires.

Murph

 

[hazmat]

murph, were your tires loaded? Did you have any counterweight on the back end of the tractor? Even with my filled tires, I have to have something on the back end in order to use the full loader capacity.

 

[thcri]

I had the rear wheel weights. I think they each weighed around 50 lbs each and for the most part I was ok with my 60" as long as I didn't fill it up too much. I also did work on some side hills and then I really ran into trouble. And I know it is not just horsepower, but the weight of the tractor makes a big difference. My wife watching the tractor tip way to one side was when I got the permission to go get the TC29D. Best almost an accident I ever had. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Murph

 

[thcri]

To add to ldp's question. He said he was going to do work with manure. Now some manure if mixed with a lot of straw can be light, but if not mixed with a lot of straw and has a high water content, it is a lot heavier than dirt which is what my experience is with.

murph

 

[Mosey]

ldp - </font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hey fellas, did I say something wrong or just ask an incredibly stupid question? I posted about two weeks ago and haven't rec'vd one answer yet!)</font>

If you mean this thread, FEL bucket size, then you got a few answers right away. ??

 

[thcri]

Danny,

Good job, I thought I replied to his question once before. Oh well now he has more answers.


murph

 

[JATO_RaT]

You need to find out the lift capacity of that loader, particularly at the bucket midpoint if possible. If you were lifting feathers, I suppose you could have a bucket that approached the lift capacity of the loader and not worry about the load. They do make light material buckets for light loads that should work well for manure. The buckets are lighter since digging into a pile of dirt won't be its primary use. Somewhere, I think it is on Carvers website he has the weight of materials commonly picked up by loaders. Rat...